The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Nov. 30, 2009

Southington/Meriden and elsewhere: winter forecasts. Alas that the art of forecasting still remains mostly that. Between El Nino and predictions of blasts in the early part of December, we are all still left “out in the cold” as to what sort of winter to expect – just as human beings have been for the last several thousand years.

Wallingford: the Planning and Zoning Commission tonight reviews the rules on signs, considering both temporary and occasional signage and a particular rule for the downtown area. What do sign rules attempt to do and how many exceptions can be granted before the goal is missed altogether? How much of a role should the ever-varying economy play?

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Nov. 29, 2009

Meriden: Those who participated previously seem satisfied enough that the Salvation Army is the only group collecting at the Festival of Lights this year. At least everyone is being fairly polite about the decision, which is an understandable one, given the economy.

Meriden: the decision on what has been called Miles Place and has been the entryway to East Cemetery and has been treated as a city street for 60 years and which also apparently has a house thereon with an address seems a bit punctilious. It’s one thing to decide that the city doesn’t need to plough the street to save a few bucks; it’s another to remove a residence from what has been a city street to . . . what? An access road? It’s a difficulty.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Nov. 28, 2009

Wallingford: Seems to us this business of ticketing cars for parking on the Sheehan lawn during the cross town rivalry game was done a year or two ago as well. It didn’t receive a very warm welcome then, and we doubt it did this Thanksgiving either.

Meriden: it sounds like a good decision to hire a plumbing inspector back to the city’s inspection force. Given the economic climate, there are enough difficulties facing anyone wanting to spend money on property improvement and it hardly seems necessary to add unreasonable waiting to the list.

Southington: it certainly makes sense to have the issue of the Water Department’s independence opened up for full discussion and explanation. Sometimes, complexities of town governance have perfectly good reasons when fully set forth – and sometimes they do not.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Nov. 27, 2009

Southington: The developer of Greenway Commons has joined the rest of the world and has had to make changes in how it plans to fund the project at old Ideal Forging factory near High Street. Bonding, it seems, is now out and the company is hoping for a state grant.

Cheshire: emails from non-profits now being questioned about support for candidates during the election. Everyone needs to be familiar with all the rules and to obey them.

The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Nov. 16, 2009

Southington: Here’s an unexpected consequence, whether unintended or not is hard to tell. Automotive recyclers, formerly called junkyards, have wound up buying and processing a whole lot of those Clunkers turned in during “Cash for Clunkers.” It also created work for haulers.

Southington Jaycees annual Thanksgiving Coffee Break out on Interstate 84, featuring a den of local Boy Scouts to help with the service. It was great to have them there Wednesday afternoon, and they’ll be back out there Sunday afternoon as folks head home from the long weekend.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Nov. 25, 2009

Wallingford: It appears that Barbara Kapi, town clerk for the last two years, will be replaced by Barbara Thompson, who was her predecessor; this is the effect of the failure of the charter amendment to change the process for selecting a town clerk. It appears that Kapi and Thompson both accept this process, as do the voters.

Meriden: It’s always a useful exercise to discuss the books that people try to have banned, as the public library will do in the new year. The discussion, of course, is related to the issue of the book on the home invasion in Cheshire.

Southington: there are a number of people in town who will be delighted to have Pat Robertson’s American Center for Law and Justice battling pornographers intent on opening a legal business in town which specializes in sensual or sexual products. It will be interesting to watch the process unfold.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues., Nov. 24, 2009

Area: Animal control costs more than is received in licensing fees. Per the Yankee Institute. Whoever suggested that license fees were intended to pay for animal control? Consider the point of view of the source of this study: it sets up a false premise and then scores against it with its study.

State: Democratic lawmakers scored much better on the environmental front than Republican. Per the League of Conservation Voters. Why is this not a surprise? And again, consider the point of view of the source.

Meriden: The railroad station area clean-up project is a step in the right direction, even though we object to the erection of a fence which ends a crossing hallowed, well, sort of, by 150 years of use, to Colony Street from State. But if ever a high speed train line comes to be on the Springfield line, such informal crossings will certainly end . . . as will the grade-level crossings in both Meriden and Wallingford.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Nov. 23, 2009

Area: fire departments and ambulance services are among those who need to be most careful to guard against contracting or spreading flu during this season of contagion. It looks as if regular cleaning of equipment and enforcement of the rule that sick employees should stay home are the most effective measures that can be taken.

Southington: the PZC and other officials need to be very careful that they don’t mess around with the VIP store process in an unfair way. The rules were followed, and Southington is just as bound by them as is the store.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Nov. 22, 2009

Wallingford: It rather goes without saying that “greening” the school system wasn’t particularly a part of the last $72 million renovation. That wasn’t the goal . . . perhaps it should have been, but one imagines that $72 was probably enough for most people, anyway.

Area: Don’t miss the opportunity to have your leaves collected. This week it happens in many local districts.

Meriden: sorry, the stuff about Meriden being a “bad” landlord – which, in context, means buying the wrong properties at the wrong time – won’t wash. When the city takes action in these cases, there is usually a reason – such as the inability of a would-be developer to carry through the plan. Without city purchases, most of these properties would just be empty and rotting. Market’s a great idea, but it doesn’t float all boats or buildings.

We add our voice to those hoping to change GM’s mind about Meriden's Alderman Motors. The corporate decision seems badly misguided.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Nov. 21, 2009

Wallingford: The architectural firm has suggested a $20 to 23 million new police station on Wooding-Caplan. Not a surprise, really. At least doing so will solve the problem of what to do with that long disputed parcel.

Meriden: Delinquent taxes on motor vehicle and personal property taxes to be engaged to go after debts to city. Except for a very few, none seem overwhelmingly large.

Cheshire: town moving toward setting up cameras at Bartlem Park to catch graffiti and vandals. The system works in Southington, so it’s probably worth doing if the cash can be found.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Nov. 20, 2009

Members of the smaller parties on the new Meriden council feel snubbed, being left out of committee chairmanships. The council isn’t yet running on a coalition system, and the majority must deal with the possibility of naming someone to a leadership role whose only position will be to block projects or legislation. On the other hand, Democrats may not be a majority forever, and it’s not the best plan to begin a term with bitterness.

It is good that the Aetna and Hartford Healthcare have reached terms on insurance payments. The possibility of a breach, though not particularly likely, was enough to make insured persons in Meriden and lots of other communities need anxiety pills.

Cheshire: the artificial turf program is underway, but backers must raise half the estimated sum by which costs exceed the state grant before the council will appropriate money. We are sure they can meet the challenge: it’s only money.

Southington: the idea that adjacent property owners would be obstructionist to town efforts to remedy a sewer line crossing the Quinnipiac River in an exposed location is amazing. Surely this is a situation where public health necessity would justify prompt action regardless of anyone’s agreement.

The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Nov. 19, 2009

Meriden: problems with algae bloom in the city water supply. Number one fact: no danger. Number two fact: an increasing problem perhaps due to run-off from development, notably nitrates and fertilizers. This is a serious problem.

Meriden: it seems that the deciding factor in selecting which route to follow for high school updating will not be the cost, since the options appear likely to make very similar impacts on pockets. What is decided, though, is that there will continue to be two high schools in Meriden.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Nov. 18, 2009

Cheshire: So somehow it is becoming a partisan issue over who selects the books at the library? Republicans are planning – or something near to it – to replace the town manager? This was in the campaign? So the town doesn’t want professional management but instead “representation I government”? This should be a good ride.

Meriden: Rohde plans to choose his own caseworker. That’s a shame for the incumbent, but that is the only job within the mayor’s power and it is natural that the mayor would want to choose his own person after winning his own term.

Wallingford: Covanta reaches agreement with DEP on emission error two years ago, since remedied, which involves paying the agency cash sums to finance other pollution control programs, this particular case involving recycling. In a tight economy, this probably puts the levying of fines to good use.

Wallingford: American Cancer Society reacts to change in national guidelines for mammography and breast exams for cancer. It is very difficult to tell whether the change in recommended screening is a cost saving measure or a reaction to statistical results and reasonable under scientific measure. Similar reaction occurred to the change in the prostate recommendations. Everything becomes politicized.

Cheshire: the decision on an artificial turf field seems to stick in someone’s throat. While we certainly urged caution until safety results were received, that seems to have happened with no real results. The decision was all but made then. Will it now be subject to new debate?

Southington: PZC should proceed with extreme care in attempting to alter or delay the VIP permit. Rules are rules, and the rule of law is the rule of law. You can’t just alter the law because the subject matter is offensive to someone.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues., Nov. 17, 2009

Cheshire: it is good to read that the Cheshire Library Advisory board voted explicitly to support their librarian’s decision on the dreadful book – even though they did not have to do so. Not only does the choice follow regular procedure, and not only did numerous residents ask for the book, but also the situation is clear from any legal entanglement. Not only did the court’s gag order not apply to the library, it is highly doubtful it could apply: the library is not within the court’s jurisdiction. For heaven’s sake, anyone who feels inclined to read this repellant work should do so by borrowing the library copy rather than buying another copy.

Meriden: the City Council did the right thing to buy those two sites adjacent to Factory H. To gain control of the whole area makes a future possible, if not this year or next then ten years hence.

Southington: allegations in Milford about former superintendent Polanski, given his experience locally, would seem somewhat unlikely, but you never know. We certainly hope to see him cleared thoroughly.

Wallingford: Superintendent Menzo has made a good point in asking business to help facilitate parent/teacher conferences for their employees.

State: with Pfizer pulling out of New London, that whole ruckus over the Fort Trumbull neighborhood eminent domain case is rendered pointless. Company says its decision has nothing to do with the court case, but had there not been the hold up and the out-and-out hostility, the whole thing might have been developed by now. Then again, Pfizer’s purchase by Wyeth might have happened anyway.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Nov. 16, 2009

Southington High School’s new Diversity Club, which should prove a vehicle for promoting
many sorts of understanding. Thanks go to a motivating teacher, Antoinette Delfino.

Wallingford: energy study. The remarkable discovery that the school system apparently spends more than a dollar a square foot on energy costs during a year. Savings would be appreciated.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Nov. 15, 2009

Meriden: The Dutch visitors to Benjamin Franklin School must certainly have learned a number of interesting facts by way of comparison with our school. Very different cultural issues, as well as similar ones, face their system. Each can learn from the other.

Wallingford: the plan to replace the current projector at the Sheehan planetarium with a new one after 40 years is admirable. The capacities of an up-to-date planetarium are almost without limit.

Area: if the stimulus funds are actually retaining existing jobs and maintaining existing programs, through a bit of twisting of the intention, we don’t have a real problem with that. But there will be a problem when it comes time to fund the next budget year.

State: Allegations concerning doctor in Greenwich certainly make entertaining, if horrifying reading. Imagine becoming an artificial insemination doctor so one could spread one’s own seed across the galaxy.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Nov. 14, 2009

State: this is the season for deer strikes on the highways. Between 15,000 and 18,000 die in Connecticut annually, a truly horrifying number. This is the mating season for the animals and they tend to move more than at other times, making them particularly susceptible to accidents on the highway – and, of course, drivers are at peril almost as much as the animals. Drive slower after dusk and be alert.

Southington: good news on the goat situation. There may be a way to grandfather in the keeping of goats under the zoning laws.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Nov. 13, 2009

Wallingford: while it often seems appropriate to pass an ordinance, the council should make sure that enacting another law about dogs would actually have any utility.

Southington, Wallingford, Meriden: it seems to be a good idea to public works departments to use magnesium chloride rather than sand as the basic tool for de-icing during the winter. It’s cheaper too, but one hopes it is also less harmful to the environment.

Wallingford: an unfortunate choice of jokes that was selected for the Trail of Terror — but not, apparently, intended to be anti-Semitic, though perceived that way, since the speaker herself was Jewish and had actually discussed the matter with close relatives.

The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Nov. 12, 2009

Wallingford: While we can respect any councilor’s right to take a contrary opinion on any subject, it seems rather late in the game for anyone to be voicing a general objection to expansion of the Quinnipiac River Linear Trail. The plan has been studied, approved and sent off to accompany grants, which have now arrived. A single negative vote nearly sank the project due to council absentees.

Area: fine presentations at Veterans’ Day ceremonies. The Antique Veterans are especially appreciated by many in the community for their fine tradition of honoring those who served in our armed forces.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Nov. 11, 2009

Southington: redesign in the planning at the dangerous intersection of West Street and West Center Street in an attempt to end the peril of vehicles which slide on into the roadway and onto a family’s front lawn. It might be cheaper to teach drivers safer winter habits, but that would be unlikely to have a broad effect on patterns.

Meriden: regarding the proposed purchase of parcels near Factory H, it is safe to say that this is not the most propitious moment to incur a major expense of this kind, regardless of ultimate effect or one’s views on public projects. On the other hand, there is money in the works for Factory H which needs to be demolished, and it makes sense to do all the work and secure the property as a whole. The city should go for it.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues., Nov. 10, 2009

State: Rell’s decision can only be lauded. Way too many officials hold on till a bitter end and then quit under pressure, leaving followers unprepared for any eventuality. Also, the decision frees her up to exert her considerable good will for the benefit of the state without a lot of the re-election baggage.

Wallingford: While we recognize the difficulties that the Oakdale now faces, needing new sponsorship at that large and no doubt expensive facility, there are certainly residents of the area who were very fond of the place when known as Oakdale and who felt some displacement when it became the rather grandiose and certainly commercial Chevrolet Theatre, who will be glad to see a resumption of the old label. We certainly wish good things for the venue, regardless of name.

Cheshire: it will be informative not only for the public but probably for the police department to see the reaction of the soon-to-be-seated town council to the possibility of mediation in the disenchantment between chief and union.

Meriden: watch out for scams, particularly persons posing as utility workers. Insist on positive identification at all times. Just common sense.

Wallingford: PZC interested in having authority to enforce regulations through signs. As noted, this may turn out to be a hard sell.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Nov. 9, 2009

Wallingford: Holiday for Giving steps up to meet this year’s challenges. But organizers and local businesses and employees already have taken steps to help get out word concerning this year’s need. We all hope residents will respond generously.

Southington: members of the board of education express reservations, at least, concerning the present term lengths, only two years. Members feel the two-year term tends to steepen the learning curve for new members and keep everyone worrying about re-election for a greater percentage of the time, which is undeniable. Charter revisers: how about returning to the four-year term?

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Nov. 8, 2009

Southington: teachers’ contract follows a modest path: 2.5 and 3.5 salary hikes and contributions to medical care rising from 15 to 17.5 and then 19 percent. This is movement in pretty much the right direction.

Wallingford: a new aerial fire truck is in the works as the department has a request for $900,000 working its way through the council. Chief Struble will replace the older of the two existing vehicles, part of the plan for about a decade. Fire trucks, while expensive, last many years but not forever: the one to be retired was bought in 1974.

Wallingford: the GOP, while fairly temperate in its public commentary, can only be rubbing its hands in anticipatory glee, now that it is equipped with a 6-3 council majority and the charter revision movement laid to rest. Residents should expect them to act with restraint despite their high spirits.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Nov. 7, 2009

Meriden: Deal to buy the land and buildings next to Factory H. This is a good idea, but of course may run into opposition over the price. But the place has been idle for years now, and nothing good can happen to factory H without this being a part of it. It’s a fine location for a riverine development, some garden apartments, some greenery, some light commerce, along the beautified river banks. Take a look at what West Haven has done with the area which used to be Savin Park.

Wallingford: Reliving History, specifically, the Berlin Wall’s un-building 20 years ago. One might also remember the beginning of the wall, the Berlin Airlift, and President Kennedy’s famous speech on his visit there, identifying himself with the people of that city.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Nov. 6, 2009

State: It is hard to restrain the general enthusiasm over the impending arrival of two new area codes for the telephone system and the mandatory usage of the ten-digit phone number. This is not a simplification of life.

Meriden: The Thomas Hooker School celebrated its blue ribbon Thursday, the result of lots and lots of hard work and dedication. It isn’t every day the governor shows up to congratulate a school.

Wallingford: It is too bad that the Trail of Terror brought in somewhat less this year. Blame it on the weather, the economy, and perhaps also some disheartening effect in the change in focus. But we are confident the visitors will return next season: the campaign is too good not to succeed.

The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Nov. 5, 2009

Meriden: AMENDED: construction crews are out resurfacing roads. It was good to note today that the north end of Bradley Avenue, prepared with new sidewalks and new esplanade two months ago, has been resurfaced with an excellent smoothness.

State: the chimpanzee case, bizarre already, is assuming ever more magnified aspects. It’s a horrible attack, and certainly the victim merits compensation. But $50 million from the chimp’s owner (her former friend) and another $150 million from the state, thank you very much?

Meriden: One thing Meriden really doesn’t need to worry too much about is those falling SAT scores. First, SATs aren’t universally required. Second, they play no part in the mandatory No Child Left Behind law. Third, as noted, few local kids will take SAT prep courses, now commonplace in wealthy communities.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Nov. 4, 2009

Meriden: election. Interesting showing by WTP party in several areas and now will have an appreciable presence on the council. There will be a fairly large change of faces on the Board of Education.

Wallingford: election. In case anyone needed a demonstration, voters pretty substantially rejected the idea of remedying the fact that Democrats have been unable to best the mayor by reducing his power. The downfall of the charter revision, plus the loss of the council majority spells it out pretty clearly.

Southington: election. Republicans win almost everywhere. Does this reflect malaise of some kind or merely reaction against Democrats in local government? There are a number of new faces, and it will be interesting to watch their features become clear over the next months.

Cheshire: election. Oddly, voters chose Republicans for council and school board, which might reflect annoyance with Democratic plans . . . but they also approved the bonding issues, which suggests that the issue is not spending.

State: it’s hard to find too much reason to insist that court documents about the Le killing be released prior to trial. There is a privacy issue, but sadly, when someone is killed, privacy is not the prime concern. The real issue is getting a good trial. So long as the paperwork is released after the trial, regardless of plea or outcome, it can wait.

Southington: goats. While the 3-acre rule for livestock makes a certain amount of sense, it is fair to note that no neighbor has complained during the decade or more the goats have been on this site (quite the reverse) and that the goat pen is on a corner lot which has some buyer interest. Then, there’s a lot of anti-animal activity going around.

Cheshire: facing a number of burglaries from cars and homes, police are asking for citizen vigilance. Without becoming paranoid about things, it’s good to keep your eyes open.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues., Nov. 3, 2009

Meriden and everywhere: the insurance payment fight or contractual negotiations between insurer Aetna and Hartford Healthcare, hospital giant. Nothing could demonstrate better the need for health care reform top to bottom when an essentially business difference between any insurer and any provider can result in letters being sent out to the insured workers or whomever, warning them of impending catastrophe – which a) will probably not happen and which b) gets everyone needlessly riled up.

Area: The restriction on visitors, given the H1N1 epidemic, which MidState has imposed make sense under the circumstances. The patients, regardless of their disease, need protection from whatever visitors might bring in, although limitations may impose some heartache on some families.

Wallingford: Repairs planned for the fire training facility on Masonic Avenue. Firefighters, both full-time and volunteer, use the building constantly, and the repairs should return it to tip-top condition.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Nov. 2, 2009

Area: on the job stealing these days concerns the theft of ideas from co-workers, an obnoxious practice in the workplace.

Southington: practical and realistic approach to outbreak of H1N1 flu, which, according to the observers, is often fairly modest in terms of its effects on an individual child – a 2 on a scale of 5 – though of course there will be exceptions. Keep washing hands, stay home when you’re sick and treat it mildly still seem to be the best responses. If it had been called H1N1 to begin with, instead of by the piggy name (which has caused an estimated $900 million loss to pig farmers), one wonders how much people would be worrying.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Nov. 1, 2009

Meriden: the city’s police department is about to receive a million-dollar new computer system – at a small fraction of market cost – which should help improve response time, officer safety, record taking, and other helpful bells and whistles.

Wallingford: the trash-to-energy plant has upgrades, and is one of a surprisingly dwindling number of such facilities in the nation – only 90 remain and 6 are in Connecticut, the first state soon to have no municipal landfills in use. This is a good thing, not a bad thing, since not only can the plants produce electricity, but also much of the toxins can be removed before the smoke leaves the plant.

Area: it is an anomaly that more people vote in presidential elections, which often have scant impact on localities – as much as 80 percent of the registered voters – and least on local elections – maybe 30 percent – where the outcome can directly affect people and where you can go and holler at a councilor you don’t like. Could television money have anything to do with it?